The Challenge of Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a common digestive issue caused by the body's inability to produce sufficient amounts of lactase, an enzyme made in the small intestine. Lactase is responsible for breaking down lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products. When lactose isn't digested properly, it moves into the large intestine where bacteria ferment it, leading to uncomfortable symptoms like gas, bloating, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and nausea. It's important to distinguish this from a milk allergy, which is a more severe immune system reaction to milk proteins. Globally, it's estimated that up to 70% of people have some form of lactose malabsorption.
How Does LACTAID® Work?
LACTAID® is a brand name for an over-the-counter lactase enzyme supplement. When you take a LACTAID® pill with dairy-containing food, you are supplying your body with the enzyme it lacks. This enzyme then works in your digestive system to break down the lactose from the food, such as the cheese on a pizza, preventing or reducing the symptoms of lactose intolerance. The supplement acts as a replacement for the lactase your body doesn't produce, allowing for the proper digestion of dairy. The effect of a single dose typically lasts for about 30 to 45 minutes.
Pizza and Its Lactose Load
The primary source of lactose in pizza is the cheese. However, not all cheeses have the same amount of lactose. The cheesemaking and aging processes can significantly reduce lactose content.
- High-Lactose Cheeses: Fresh, soft cheeses tend to have more lactose. This includes ricotta and some styles of mozzarella.
- Low-Lactose Cheeses: Hard, aged cheeses like Parmesan, cheddar, and Swiss contain very little lactose, as most of it is broken down during aging. A typical cheese pizza often uses low-moisture mozzarella, which has a relatively low lactose content compared to fresh mozzarella or milk.
Beyond cheese, small amounts of dairy can sometimes be found in the pizza crust or certain sauces, though this is less common and contributes minimally to the total lactose load.
Maximizing LACTAID® Effectiveness for Pizza Night
To successfully enjoy pizza, timing and appropriate use of the supplement are crucial.
- Take it With the First Bite: For the supplement to work, the lactase enzyme must be in your stomach at the same time as the lactose. The manufacturer recommends taking the pill with your very first bite or sip of dairy. Taking it too early or too late will reduce its effectiveness.
- Consider the Amount of Dairy: LACTAID® comes in different strengths, such as Original, Extra Strength, and Fast Act (Ultra). The amount you need depends on your personal sensitivity and the amount of dairy in the meal. For a very cheesy pizza, you might consider using a product with a higher concentration of the enzyme. Follow the product's instructions for guidance.
- Repeat If Needed: If you are eating pizza over a period longer than 30-45 minutes, you may need to take another dose according to product instructions to continue assisting with lactose digestion for the later slices.
LACTAID® Usage vs. Pizza Toppings: A Comparison Table
| Pizza Type | Typical Dairy Content | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Cheese Pizza | Moderate (Low-moisture mozzarella) | Mozzarella is relatively low in lactose compared to other dairy. |
| Margherita Pizza | Moderate to High (Fresh mozzarella) | Fresh mozzarella has more lactose than aged, low-moisture versions. |
| White Pizza (Ricotta Base) | High (Ricotta, mozzarella) | Ricotta is a fresh cheese and can be high in lactose. |
| Pizza with Parmesan | Low | Aged Parmesan cheese has virtually no lactose. |
Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice on managing lactose intolerance.
What If It Still Causes Discomfort?
If you take LACTAID® and still experience symptoms, a few factors could be at play:
- Incorrect Timing or Inadequate Enzyme: The most common reason for failure is not taking the supplement right with the first bite or not using a sufficient amount of the enzyme for the meal.
- Severe Intolerance: Some individuals are so sensitive that even the small amount of remaining lactose is enough to cause symptoms.
- Other Food Sensitivities: The discomfort might not be from lactose at all. It could be a reaction to other ingredients like wheat (gluten), garlic, onions (FODMAPs), or even a milk protein like casein, which LACTAID® does not help with.
If symptoms persist, it's best to consult a doctor or a registered dietitian to rule out other conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and get a definitive diagnosis.
Conclusion
For most people with lactose intolerance, the answer to 'Can I eat pizza if I take LACTAID®?' is a resounding yes. By understanding how the supplement works, choosing your pizza wisely, and mastering the timing and appropriate use, you can make pizza night a delicious and comfortable experience. Always take the supplement with your first bite, consider the cheesiness of your slice when choosing a product, and listen to your body. If problems continue, consider that other ingredients may be the culprits and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
For more information on managing lactose intolerance, you can visit the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK): https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/lactose-intolerance
